Tomato soup

Creamy tomato soup with basil and crunchy croutons

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

In a world where healthy and tasty food is becoming increasingly important, tomato soup stands out as a classic dish that is always in fashion. With a fresh, aromatic flavor and a velvety texture, this soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and lycopene, a compound that helps maintain heart health. Additionally, tomato soup is an excellent choice for a light and flavorful meal, being easy to prepare and quick to serve.

To create this delicious soup, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes (or ½ l tomato juice)
- 1 small celery
- 1 carrot
- ½ bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 small leaves of fresh basil
- 1 l water

Preparing this soup is a simple yet satisfying process. Let's get started!

Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes
Place the tomatoes in a pot with water and a pinch of salt, bringing them to a boil. To achieve perfectly peeled tomatoes, wait for the skin to crack. This step will not only make peeling easier but will also help release the flavors.

Step 2: Peeling the tomatoes
Once the tomatoes have boiled and the skin has cracked, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly. Then, carefully peel them. You can use a small knife or simply grab them with your hands if you have patience. At this point, I recommend inviting your friends or family to join you in this process – cooking is always more enjoyable when shared!

Step 3: Separating the tomato juice
To achieve a smooth soup, pass the peeled tomatoes through a sieve or blender. Separate the juice from the skins and seeds. This step will ensure a creamy texture, perfect for your soup.

Step 4: Boiling the vegetables
In a separate pot, bring the chopped celery, carrot, bell pepper, and onion to a boil. Add 1 liter of water and let the vegetables boil for about 15 minutes until tender. Here, my advice is not to rush! Patience is key to achieving a rich flavor.

Step 5: Adding the tomato juice
When the vegetables are almost cooked, add the tomato juice and basil leaves. Let the soup simmer together for 10-15 minutes. This is the perfect time to enjoy the flavors that start to unfold!

Step 6: Blending the soup
After you have cooked the soup, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Blend the vegetables with an immersion blender or a regular blender, but make sure not to over-blend it, so it doesn't become too smooth. We want to keep some of the vegetable texture.

Step 7: Seasoning
Add the olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. The olive oil will not only add a touch of flavor but will also enhance the soup's texture. Mix well and taste to check if more seasoning is needed.

Step 8: Serving
The tomato soup is now ready! Serve it hot, topped with crunchy croutons and, if desired, a handful of grated mozzarella. The latter adds a touch of creaminess and a pleasant contrast to the warm soup.

Serving suggestion: You can accompany the soup with a slice of garlic toast for an extra burst of flavor. This will transform your meal into a complete experience!

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add a few drops of hot sauce for a kick of intensity or replace the basil with a handful of fresh parsley. Another option would be to add a few cubes of potatoes, which will make the soup even heartier.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, if you don't have fresh tomatoes on hand, canned tomatoes are an excellent alternative. Just make sure to choose quality tomatoes for an authentic taste.

2. How can I store the soup?
Tomato soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later use, keeping it in small portions.

3. Is this soup vegan?
Yes, the recipe is completely vegan, but if you want to add a touch of creaminess, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt (if you're not vegan).

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of tomato soup contains approximately 150 calories, providing an excellent mix of vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are known for their antioxidant properties, and the vegetables used provide fiber and essential nutrients.

This tomato soup is not only a simple and quick recipe but also a wonderful way to bring fresh and healthy flavors to your table. Whether you serve it for lunch or dinner, it will surely be admired by all who taste it. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg ripe tomatoes (or 1/2 l tomato juice) 1 small celery 1 carrot 1/2 bell pepper 1 large onion 1 tablespoon olive oil salt 1-2 small basil leaves 1 l water

 Tags:  tomato soup soup